The Places and Experiences I Still Think About From My Austria Trip Nearly a Decade Later

This post is a reflection on my Austria trip. If you'd like the full day-by-day itinerary, check out my 10 Days in Austria: Group Tour with a Little Bit of Germany travel diary.

It's been over a decade since I spent 10 days exploring Austria and a little bit of Germany on a guided tour.

I've traveled to many other destinations since then, but certain moments from this trip have stayed with me. Some were breathtaking. Some were sobering. Some were completely unexpected.

These are the experiences I still think about years later.

Hallstatt

Without question, Hallstatt remains my favorite place I've ever visited.

I've traveled to more than a dozen countries since this trip, but nothing has topped the feeling of arriving in this tiny lakeside village surrounded by mountains.

The scenery felt almost unreal. Every street, every building, every view across the lake looked like something from a postcard.

Nearly a decade later, Hallstatt is still the destination I compare every other beautiful place to.

The Love Lock Bridge in Salzburg

This was the first love lock bridge I had ever seen.

At the time, I had no idea they existed. Since then, I've come across them in several countries, but every time I see one, I'm immediately transported back to Salzburg.

Sometimes it's the small, unexpected discoveries that stick with you the longest.

The Cemeteries

This might sound like an unusual favorite.

In the United States, cemeteries often feel separated from daily life. In Austria, the cemeteries I visited felt more like beautiful, well-loved parks.

I found myself drawn to the family plots, the flowers, and the care that was clearly given to preserving these spaces. They felt peaceful rather than sad.

It's one of the cultural differences I remember most vividly from the trip.

Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)

Kehlsteinhaus was one of the most unforgettable places we visited.

The mountain setting is spectacular, but it's impossible to separate the site from its history.

Like some of the most important historical sites I've visited, it wasn't enjoyable in the traditional sense. It was impactful, thought-provoking, and something I'll never forget.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Dachau falls into the same category.

This was not a fun travel experience. It wasn't supposed to be.

Walking through the memorial was emotional and sobering. It provided an important reminder of what can happen when hatred and extremism are allowed to grow unchecked.

Years later, it's still one of the most powerful places I've ever visited.

Schloss Egg

Of all the historical sites on our itinerary, Schloss Egg was my favorite.

I loved learning about its history and exploring a place that felt less crowded and commercialized than some of the more famous castles and palaces we visited.

It ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

Penninger Schnapps Tasting

One of the most unexpectedly enjoyable stops was our visit to Penninger.

I knew almost nothing about schnapps before arriving.

The tasting experience was fun, but I also enjoyed learning about the production process and regional traditions. It was one of those experiences that taught me something new while still being entertaining.

Spätzle

I wasn't expecting to fall in love with a side dish, but spätzle quickly became my favorite food of the trip.

I've ordered it several times since returning home, but I've never found a version that tasted quite as good as what I had in Austria and Bavaria.

Maybe it's nostalgia. Maybe it's the setting. Either way, I'm still chasing that perfect plate.

Things I'd Skip Next Time

Not every stop is destined to became a favorite. But hey, that's travel!

Crystal Road

While I'm glad I saw it, I wouldn't dedicate much time to Crystal Road on a future trip. For me, it felt like glorified shopping and simply didn't leave the same impression as the villages, mountains, and historical sites.

Deggendorf

Deggendorf was pleasant enough, but if I returned to the region, I'd choose to spend more time in Regensburg instead. Between the medieval old town, the Danube waterfront, and lunch at the historic Wurstkuchl (oldest sausage kitchen in the world), it's one of those places that has stayed with me long after the trip ended.

Oktoberfest

This might be my most controversial opinion.

I'm glad I experienced Oktoberfest once. It's iconic, and now I can say I've been.

That said, it was probably the most overrated part of the trip for me. The crowds were overwhelming, and while the atmosphere was certainly energetic, I'd much rather spend my time revisiting Hallstatt, Salzburg, or the Austrian countryside.

Final Thoughts

When I look back on this trip, I don't necessarily remember every hotel, meal, or tour stop.

• I remember standing in Hallstatt and wondering if a place could really be that beautiful.

• I remember seeing my first love lock bridge.

• I remember peaceful cemeteries filled with flowers.

• I remember the weight of history at Dachau and Kehlsteinhaus.

• And I remember eating spätzle that I've spent over a decade trying to find again.

Those are the moments that have stayed with me, and that's what makes Austria one of the most memorable trips I've ever taken.